Peter Clarke (Lead Pastor)

Peter joins us with over 20 years of pastoral experience, including 11 years serving at Dural Baptist Church, with 6 years as Senior Pastor. He grew up in Ipswich, and he and his wife Samantha have been married for 30 years and have two sons – Leighton and Ryan. Peter is passionate about helping churches to flourish and fulfill their purpose in Christ. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, watching the footy and reading. Peter has a real pastoral heart for the church, and we are blessed to have him here at Beacon Community.

Rob Howells (Community Outreach Pastor)

After Leichhardt Baptist merged with Beacon, Rob became our Community Outreach Pastor. Previously working for the NAB for 11 years, he also has 15 years experiencing pastoring a small church. Rob’s passion is for the local community, having grown up in Leichhardt and Brassall, and attending Ipswich State High School. He has a Master of Divinity from Malyon College, and a Bachelor of Business (Banking) from QUT.

Outside of ministry, Rob loves driving around the surrounding areas of Ipswich with his wife Jenny, holidaying at Burleigh, watching the Bronco’s play, and attempting to build things in his shed.

Adam Clayton (Generations Pastor)

I grew up in the rural town of Warwick, which was home for most of my young life, and from that time God has shown me so much of His Wonder through the trials I’ve been through.

A few years ago, I was working a great job where I had proven myself personally and professionally. It was the peace and contentment I had always wanted but there was still a sense of unfulfillment until I got the Call from God to pursue His ministry to spread the blessings of His Holy Gospel. Since then I’ve studied four years at Malyon College, gaining my Bachelor of Ministry. For two years, I ministered as Associate Pastor at Murgon District Baptist Church and now I am enjoying the current stage of my journey with Beacon Communty –  A Baptist Church as Generations Pastor, where I will be overseeing ministries to do with young people from children to young families.

In my youth I struggled with social anxiety, isolation, and depression so when I wanted answers for what I was going through I asked God “Why?” I now know that Jesus understands the pains of our world because He lived in it with us, and that He has redeemed our struggle into something that can bless instead of destroy. Our struggle for good in a sinful world and our own sinfulness is possible because Jesus, the Son of God, paid the price to make it possible.

In ministry, my motto is “Principle in the Practice”; without the principle, the practice has no value, but without the practice the principle isn’t reflected well. And in my life, my motto is “Only Christ, He is enough for me”. Because of that, we have nothing to lose and everything to gain. He is my Hope.

Crystal (Office Administrator)

Crystal is responsible for general administration, policy-writing, event coordination, IT liaison and Facility Hire. She has a background in Social Science/Community Engagement, and spent 10 years working on various academic research projects, as well as casually lecturing and tutoring at the University of Queensland. She has a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Asian Languages and Culture); a Master of Business (Event Management); Diploma in Human Resource Management; Diploma in Ministry (Malyon) and Certificate 5 in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. What Crystal loves most about her role is how she is able to use all of her past experience in new and creative ways. She also loves learning and branching into new areas, like graphic design. She is grateful to God for how He is using her, and excited about the future direction of the church.

Kerryn Bien (Community Development Coordinator at the Leichhardt Wellbeing Hub)

Kerryn is the newest addition to our team at Beacon Community, joining us in early 2023. She is responsible for coordinating the Wellbeing Hub at Leichhardt. Here is a little bit about Kerryn:

“I am a local girl who grew up in Silkstone. I have a Bachelor of Laws from USQ, a Graduate Diploma of Counselling with a specialisation in Mental Health also from USQ. I am trained in various styles of Prayer Ministry, and am a qualified MATES facilitator, equipping people to prevent violence and problematic behaviour such as discrimination and bullying (Griffith University). I’m also a JP, and TESOL qualified.

I have lived experience with trauma and domestic violence which gives me insight into the complexities in the lives of people I seek to assist. I believe that as Christians we are mandated to bring a little piece of heaven to every place that we see hell. The Hub will be a safe space for people who experiencing challenging times to receive tangible support and experience God’s love.

In my spare time I enjoy various pursuits in nature including hiking, camping, reading and spending time with friends and family.